Argyrochosma connectens

Argyrochosma connectens is a small, epipetric fern that puts up leaves in tight clusters. Leaf stalks and axes are a shiny brown; the leaves have a papery texture, and unlike many members of the genus, are free of light-colored farina (a powdery flavonoid secretion) beneath. The rhizome is short and upright, bearing thin, twisted brown scales of uniform color, subulate-lanceolate in shape. Fronds spring from the rhizome in dense clusters. The stipe (the stalk of the leaf, below the blade) is dark brown, round, and brittle, about 3 to 8 centimeters (1 to 3 in) long. A few scales similar to those of the rhizome are scattered at its base; narrowed, hairlike scales sometimes continue further up the stipe. The rachis (leaf axis) is straight, and the rachis, costae and costules (axes of leaflets and leafules) are all shiny and chestnut-brown in color. The blade tissue turns brownish-green when dried; it is papery in texture, and both sides lack scales, hairs, or farina. The leaf blades are lanceolate or somewhat oblong-triangular, measuring 5 to 10 centimeters (2 to 4 in) long and 2 to 4 centimeters (0.8 to 2 in) wide. They are bipinnate (divided into pinnae and pinnules) or occasionally tripinnate. Each blade is divided into 7 to 21 pinnae, set at an oblique angle to the rachis. …

Argyrochosma connectens is endemic to southern and southwestern Sichuan. It is rare, growing in the crevices of limestone rocks in hot, dry valleys at an altitude of 1,900 to 2,800 meters (6,200 to 9,200 ft).